After All the Hurt, She Chose Herself novel Chapter 290

Aria froze for a second.

She was trying to close a massive financial buyout, and he wanted to talk about feelings?

"No," she replied, her tone ruthlessly crisp. "Never."

She would never love him again, and she would certainly never marry him again.

A weak, broken attempt at a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, the briefest glimmer of tears flashing in his eyes.

"This isn't the place to discuss the equity. Tomorrow. Evercrest's boardroom. I'll be waiting for you."

With that, Gideon spun on his heel and strode away.

He was terrified that if he stayed a single second longer, he would actually break down and cry.

That would be far too humiliating.

Aria didn't care where they negotiated, as long as the papers were signed and the money hit her account.

"I got divorced today. Want to grab food? My treat."

Raphael was waiting for her outside. Seeing the radiant glow of happiness on her face, he couldn't help but let his own smile deepen.

"Today truly is a day worth celebrating. I'd be honored."

Knowing Raphael was something of a germaphobe, Aria booked a table at an exclusive private dining club he had frequented before.

After a moment's thought, she sent out a quick text to Alden and Mira Dawson, inviting them as well.

She didn't have many friends. In fact, those three were probably the only people she actually enjoyed talking to.

Mira had been practically vibrating with rage over the vicious online rumors surrounding Aria lately.

So the second she got the text, she threw on an outfit and bolted out the door.

"Aria! Congratulations on escaping that toxic dump!"

Aria had barely settled into her seat in the private dining room when Mira burst through the door, nearly tackling her into a bear hug.

She was caught completely off guard.

"You have no idea how furious I've been these past few days! Those people on the internet just latch onto whatever garbage they hear and run with it! It's disgusting!"

"They actually had the nerve to call you a murderer! I fought every single one of them in the comments, and I reported a ton of accounts too!"

Aria couldn't help but laugh at her fiery defense.

"I had a legal team archiving all the evidence on the blockchain. What was there to worry about?"

"I was still mad!"

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